organization

Planning My New Adventure

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I had a meeting at Job Service last week. I wasn’t sure what to expect, only that I was going to talk to an employment counselor about my resume and get some advise about searching for jobs.

Of course I always talk too much and the conversation came around to my dream of having my own business. The counselor asked, “What do you want your business to be?” as if this dream could actually be a reality and not just a far-fetched fantasy.

To digress just a bit, I have been wanting to have my own business for a long time, but haven’t really let the idea fully bear fruit. In the last couple of years; however, I’ve actually been articulating the dream out loud–and to more than just Grumpa and my family. In most cases, it’s been met with incredulity, “What would you want to do that for?” or “You know, that’s gonna be a lot of work!” or “You know, most small businesses fail.”

On rare occasions, I’ve had responses like the one from the job counselor. Someone who legitimately acts like this isn’t a hair-brained notion, but a real, viable option.

At these times, a new bud forms and the dream grows. “Really?” I think. “Could I actually do this? What would it take?”

It’s time to feed the dream and see how it will grow. So I’ve started with my trusty notebook and a cup of coffee. My next steps are to:

  1. Brainstorm ideas (I have a few already that I need to map out.)
  2. Check out the Small Business Development Center at the UW.
  3. Map out my network. Not just on LinkedIn, but everyone I know and who they know.
  4. Get to know other local business owners.
  5. Research and document plans for my most viable options.

I’m not looking to get rich, but need to stay solvent. My goal is to create useful, meaningful, and beautiful things or experiences for others, but I live in a small market. I have to manage expectations with reality, practicality, and restraint.

My dream business may have to start as a side gig–the important thing is to move consistently in the right direction. In the meantime, I’ll continue submit resumes, write, and focus on the things I love.

I’ll keep you all posted.

Is It Beautiful, Is It Useful?

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I love tidiness.

I am not a clean freak per se, but clean counters, organized drawers and closets, and alphabetical shelves of books and DVDs give me an inexplicable thrill of contentment and a feeling that all is right in my world.

So what do you do when you combine two households with four busy adults and two playful, adventurous boys?

Damage control!

We live in the perpetual chaos of toys, snacks, papers, work bags and backpacks. I do understand that this is the nature of a busy household. I’m OK with that. But as a person who craves simplicity and order, how to put an end to the clutter is regularly on my mind.

So how I do continually seem to accumulate more stuff than I need or want?

I love beautiful things, but I’m not typically drawn to knickknacks and tchotchkes. I can peruse antique and gift shops and take in all the loveliness without feeling the need to bring something home. What I seem unable to pass up are items that promise to make life somehow easier; less cluttered, more organized.

In my pursuit of a simpler, more organized life, I read Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying up. I agree with many of Marie’s philosophies on tidying, (I’ve never found so much satisfaction with folding my laundry or ease in keeping my drawers and closet in order!) but I’m not sure that everything I own needs to create in me a sense of joy. A toilette brush is just a toilette brush after all, even if it does keep my hand out of the toilette bowl.

Life is messy even without all the stuff. Everyday, we’re bombarded with images, messages, and products that promise our life will be better if we just had this “one” thing. But like Lay’s potato chips, you can’t stop with just one. Before you know it, our best intentions have led us to more than we need, can use–and in many cases–even want.

It takes practice and discipline to identify the true difference between needs and wants. I need lots of practice!

I want to be a good steward of the many blessings I’ve been given, so my new motto is going to be, “Is it beautiful, and is it useful?”

This is actually not going to be as simple as it sounds. It will take some intense discipline to make sure it’s something that will fill a need for the long-term–not be just a quick fix. Also, will it’s beauty endure, or will it lose its appeal after a few short weeks or months?

I promised my Handy Man that my winter project will be to clean out our basement. It will be a good time to practice this new mantra. If I no longer find an item beautiful or useful, it’s going to go to someone who does.

Stay tuned. I’ll let you know how it goes.